Then, why was he never pushed as "the guy"? You still have yet to answer that, and for that matter, everyone who has voted Taker has failed to answer that
So when there was no one else around, Taker was the guy.
Gotcha
Glad you have answered you question and FYI: When there was no Brock, Cena became the man. Didn't Brock say this? When Austin got 'run over' The Rock was the man. Who was the main face when Austin got hit by that car in 1999? Val Venis?
You take over, and are given a responsibility when other stars fade out or get injured. A slew of TOP superstars left and to sustain a show like SD, that hardly drew post 2002, he was given the responsibility to be THE star attraction and bear the burden. Raw would have the aplomb of the other stars and its name would carry it. Smack Down didn't have that luxury when the brands split and guys like Austin, and Rock started leaving. Smack Down needed someone big to even get some viewers and Taker did that magnificently.
Now I will address you are main question...
Then, why was he never pushed as "the guy"? You still have yet to answer that, and for that matter, everyone who has voted Taker has failed to answer that
Let me show you something and follow this nice and slow Haiku...
This is one of the saddest pics I have ever seen. Glenn Jacobs, gets to star in a movie. Long gone where his Isaac Yankem days, and to say that you starred in a motion picture, is a credit to any wrestler.
But look at him, look how miserable he looks. He was burdened by his gimmick. It would be great if he came down in a nice spiffy suit, shook hands and took pics. No. His gimmick would be dealt a blow. Why? Because he is this spooky guy who everyone fears in the WWE. You humanize him, and one movie can cost him any sort of kayfabe credibility for some time. This is the fear the WWE have.
This is the problem with The Deadman's gimmick.
From time to time you may get this,
Or this,
And if you get the DVD or subscribe to WWE 24/7 you may get this,
[YOUTUBE]GeyrJsQSIAY[/YOUTUBE]
Ever wonder why Taker is never at the Hall Of Fame Induction ceremony? Why one of the longest, top serving superstars can't be a part of that celebration? His gimmick inhibits him. Inhibits him to be...normal like the Cenas and Hogans of this world. Yet still, the man has put butts in seat as they await his whole presentation. Thats what he is, he is a whole package from his entrance to his matches, expressions, sit ups, signature moves, Tombstone and pin and the one-knee tribute.
But the man's persona has come at a price, i.e that he can never be a spokesperson, can never make frequent public event appearances and is always made to sit out, so that his gimmick doesn't wane in credibility. It is to protect his other-worldly image. Yes, even in this world of one-click information, the cutting of his hair was kept a secret for months before Mania 28.
This is what his interviews are as the Deadman:
[YOUTUBE]TS5J3ZnLvsg&list=PL66D5215C8BFEF99E&index=4[/YOUTUBE]
BTW I hope someone kills Kathie Lee.
You see how comical it becomes?! How is persona is shredded if he follows his gimmick to the fullest and does these?
It is a double-edged sword and has been so all his career. Yes he is over because he is an other-worldly attraction. He brings this eerie, mystical feel that even at age 26 I find extremely entertaining. People from all around the world (and in the U.S) have paid their hard-earned money to get that Undertaker experience, right from the gong hitting, to his fist-raising in the end. But at the same time he can't be THE man, because he can't be normal and be himself in public appearances that the Austins and the Rocks have the luxury of.
has[/I] one, and Taker doesn't? Again, you seem to be completely skirting the issue; Hogan is the most recognizable star in the history of wrestling.
Why should a shitty Bollywood movie convince me this isn't the case? What's so prolific about Taker's fame, that can't be said, and even more so, for Hulk Hogan? Because until you answer that question, your posts are meaningless asides that don't seem to answer any of what I've said.
Oh, and here's this. Taker isn't the only man to hit the Far East.
[YOUTUBE]0CCROasz8F0[/YOUTUBE]
This? It's probably just as meaningful as your Bollywood film.
No it isn't.
What don't you get about the Undertaker being used in a big-budget Hindi movie, in an industry that makes close 2 billion dollars a year? Undertaker can't do ads endorsing shit when he is knee-deep in his gimmick.
He did all the OTR, sit down interviews with people after 97 when his character got a brother, father and shit like that. They humanized him more and more but the fact of the matter is, American Badass wasn't an attraction, The Phenom was and is! They still keep him guarded, and secret to the public's eye. He has been inhibited from being the man, because he cannot as social as the TOP face is supposed to be. There is your reason.